1st post from new member: any tips for Varicose Vein Stripping surgery?

Posted May 13, 2006 · May 13, 2006

Hi! Some of you may remember me, , from SmartBandsters or Bandsters or

Grads, but lately I post mostly on Canadian Lapbanders. I remember Sandy

and Dan, and have missed their posts! My first post is slightly off topic,

but many obese people have varicose veins, and when you lose weight they may

stick out more( ?)!

I've been banded 20 months, and am almost at goal, having lost 186 lbs. On

Monday, I have varicose vein stripping surgery, and am looking for any tips

for an easier recovery.

I have pronounced varicose veins in both legs, and am unique in that I have

a DOUBLE greater saphenous vein in each leg! My vascular surgeon says he

only sees a few such people each year. In this surgery, he'll make a 2-inch

incision in the natural skinfold between upper inner thigh and pelvis, and

another 1/4-inch cut near my knees. He'll then use a wire with a hook to

pull out big sections of the greater saphenous veins. Other veins take over

their job, and the varicose veins fade. After surgery, I may need some

touch-up " sclerotherapy " to get rid of the last few bulging veins. This is

a minor outpatient procedure, where they inject smaller veins with an

irritating chemical to close them.

Two months later, in July, I'll have my thighs lifted to get rid of excess

skin/fat there. I hope that since the plastic surgeon makes his incision in

that same skinfold, the upper scars from Monday's surgery may

disappear.

Question: anyone been through varicose vein stripping and have tips for an

easier recovery? Or any nurses have ideas? All I know is to get lots of

rest, take regular or extra-strength Tylenol, walk as soon as I can,

and wear my Tensor bandage wrapped firmly around my legs. No one mentioned

if I should wear TED stockings (tight white anti-embolism stockings) once

the Tensor bandages come off. I have a comfy new recliner to rest in. I'm

off work for one week, and can resume exercise after 1 to 2 weeks.

So, any ideas?

T.

Dr. Yau (Toronto, Canada), Sept. 10/03, Swedish band

407/221/199

Dr. Tim Sproule (Toronto, Canada), Apr. 7/05, Beltline Lipectomy

Dr. Yau, Apr. 7/05, Port Relocation

Dr. Sproule, Dec. 1/05, Revision to Beltline Lipectomy

Dr. Allan Lossing (St. 's Hospital, Toronto, Canada), coming

May 15/06, Varicose Vein Stripping

Dr. Sproule, coming July 13/06, Medial Thigh Lifts

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